Happy Summer to you!
Maybe you've already experienced changing schedules for vacations, low rehearsal attendance or no attendance to rehearsal, or a very full schedule of additional summertime activities. All these can be discouraging as you think about an entire summer of special music "slots" that need to be filled. I don't know why I can't get my "zest" up, but sometimes you can just be physically tired. We had a music recital, wedding, bridal shower, graduation, graduation parties, Spring campaign, finals, etc.... I can't think of all we had in May!!! No wonder!
I posted the new music church schedule for June/July a few weeks ago and I've already updated it three times! I have had to email these changes to our website manager, Bro. Jonathan Wells...he probably thinks I'm disorganized and can't make up my mind. After the updates, I had two different schedules in front of me and typed the old listings into last week's order of service and reminders. Now I'm more confused than ever! So are the musicians, who've been coming up to me, emailing, and calling with their vacation dates!
I know that if I've been confused, we all must be going through some similar problems. This past week I remembered that God is in control, even during the summer. I can only do my best.
Let's take advantage of our disadvantages. There are some things we can accomplish during the summer that we might not have time for during the regular school year.
1. Make practice cd's for your singing groups - if rehearsal attendance is low or it is difficult to find a time to meet. These would not replace your rehearsal and any additional practice time will help!
2. Look for new music and fill your groups' files for their next rehearsal.
3. Start a new group! Maybe just a summertime group - learn 2 songs and see if the group will work out as a regular group.
4. If attendance is low to rehearsal go ahead and practice with those that show up. They may have problem measures on some songs and you will have time to work them out without the whole group waiting and wasting time.
5. Practice on your own skills. Take out stacks of choir music, the hymnal, offertories you've been meaning to practice, and when you feel "low", start practicing. If your skills are sharpened you'll be ready to fill in when the scheduled specials fall through.
6. Make sure your July 4th weekend is extra-special and start choosing your Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday music.
There's always something that needs attention. Maybe things aren't "status quo", but God is still on the throne and there's a great work to do for Him!
I think I'll go to the music store in the morning....
I feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteJust an idea we came up with to help with the vacation issues. We have a calendar that is available all the time to music ministry members, but we make a point of passing it around at choir practice. We ask everyone to mark the days they know they will miss church and/or music practices any time this year. We also announce "mark the calendar" at every choir practice. So, when we work on the music schedule everyone's information is in one place. It took a little while to get everybody used to doing it, but this summer they're doing great.
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